BMC’s New Waste Management Draft: Mumbaikars Face ₹1,000 Fine for Not Segregating Waste, Civic Body Seeks Public Feedback

Mumbai: In a bid to make Mumbai cleaner and more environmentally conscious, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out a new draft of Solid Waste Management (SWM) bylaws. Under the revised guidelines, segregation of waste at source has been made mandatory for all citizens, and those failing to comply could face fines ranging from ₹200 to ₹1,000.

The penalties will depend on the type and quantity of unsegregated waste handed over to the garbage collectors. The BMC has urged all households, residential societies, vendors, and commercial establishments to strictly follow the new segregation norms.

As per the draft rules, waste must be classified into four categories:

• Wet Waste: Includes food leftovers, vegetable peels, flowers, and tea leaves.

• Dry Waste: Comprises paper, plastic, glass, and metals.

• Hazardous Waste: Items such as batteries, chemicals, expired medicines, and sanitary products.

• Biomedical Waste: Includes used syringes, gloves, cotton swabs, and other medical disposables.

To help citizens better understand and implement these rules, the BMC has published detailed examples through its official social media handles. Additionally, a QR code linking directly to the draft bylaws has been made available for easy access and submission of feedback.

The civic body is actively seeking suggestions from residents to refine and strengthen the policy. Mumbaikars can submit their feedback by May 31, providing an opportunity for citizens to influence how their city handles its waste.

“Your feedback can help shape better waste management practices for our city,” the BMC stated in an official post. The initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance sanitation, reduce littering, and promote sustainability.

By engaging the public in this policy-making process, the BMC aims to foster accountability and awareness about effective waste disposal and environmental protection, steering Mumbai toward a cleaner and greener future.